Two family disputes drove Eric’s latest advice column: one woman feels used after years of supporting an older sister financially, while another is reeling after a sister stopped responding over social plans.
For the money conflict, Eric said the lender may need to let go of expecting repayment, confront the emotional hurt directly and make clear what acknowledgment or behavior change she needs.
He also said the older sister may need stronger outside help — including financial counseling for older adults or even conservatorship — to curb chronic mismanagement and reduce the family’s burden.
In the ghosting case, Eric said the silence points to a deeper need for inclusion, and advised a letter that acknowledges the sister’s feelings, asks how she wants the relationship to change and accepts that no reply may come.